'It is a mad rush before the show to get ready...

We have to check our instruments are in tune and that everyone is wearing the correct costume.'

Mr Bambang Herdamy, 21, a part-time receptionist who is part of Bloco Singapore, a band here

'My job was to pump up the crowd...The crowd was great today, they were really feeling it. We didn't have to do much!'

Mr Darren Ong, 19, a Republic Polytechnic new media student

'I'm not nervous; we practised too much. It's so exciting to be on stage. I will be sad when it's all over.'

Marsha Marsiska, 14, a student at Commonwealth Secondary School

'I'm so excited. I'm happy because this is the finale, but so sad because it's the last time I get to perform on stage.'

Mr Imran Ahmad, 33, who took part in the Dikir Barat segment

'I prefer being here on the actual day. I really feel like a Singaporean.'

Madam Harpajjan Kaur, 55, who was attending the parade for the first time with her family and friends

'I enjoy the parade a lot. Coming by myself is the best way to absorb the atmosphere. I can talk to people sitting next to me. It's a chance to meet new people.'

Mr Roger Ng, 63, a retiree attending the parade for the fifth time

'It was very touching to see how everyone stood up and recited the Pledge with so much sincerity and so much heart...who says Singaporeans do not love their country?'

Mr Tam Kok Yan, 49, IT engineer

'I am thankful to Singapore for giving me such a wonderful childhood. Not many people in the world can grow up in a peaceful and prosperous country like Singapore. We are celebrating 44 years of peace and happiness at the parade.'

Shereen Keng, 16, a student who attended the parade alone because her father, who was supposed to attend it with her, lost his ticket. She was sitting beside Mr Tan Yi Jun, 21, and Mr Tommy Chua, 22. The three were friends by the end of the parade.

'My favourite part: the lit-up boats. There were so many visuals and it was so interactive this year. I will definitely come for more parades. I will always support Singapore.'

Ms Khairunnisa Hassan, 23, who works in human resources

'I like how they put everything together, it's so modern and the costumes were so colourful.'

Grace Lin, 13, Sec 1, St Margaret's Secondary School

'Although I had lived for many years overseas,

I never felt I belonged there (US). Singapore is unique not only in its geo-political situation but also its economic achievements. We are...doing the best we can not only to survive but also to make our mark in the world.'

Mr Wong Yoong Khiang, 62, retiree

'It's good to see how Singapore has progressed to be more inclusive... to see people from all walks of life, the able-bodied, the disabled coming together to perform on stage.'

Ms Normala Ghapar, civil servant

'I have waited nine years to be here today. The show was exciting and wonderful. I love the idea of everyone taking part, from students, the military, to volunteers from every part of Singapore. It is an amazing way to represent the country, from the little ones to the elderly.'

Ms Gail Pantin, 48, a teacher from Canada

'The show was spectacular, enthusiastic and full of life. I especially liked the Red Lions.'

Ashwyn Mark, 15, from Bowen Secondary School, with his friend S. Kumaravel

'This year's parade was so good, I give it 10 upon 10. Everything just fused together.'

Miss Aaralyn Tong, 20, a student

'Everyone just stood and sang their hearts out, proving that we are strong and resilient. When we have problems, we do not mope around. We are positive and we move on...I want to thank ST for giving me the chance to watch the show.'

Mr John Chan, winner of The Straits Times photo caption contest

'The parade is a time for us to celebrate Singapore's progress. We are safe and our country is doing well. I feel blessed to be a Singaporean.'

Mrs Carol Leong, 58, a nurse